Thursday, October 22, 2009

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2009 -- A combined Afghan and international security force detained almost a dozen suspected militants in Afghanistan’s Khowst province today after searching a compound known to be used by a Haqqani terrorist organization commander and his element responsible for bombings and armed attacks in the area.

The combined force searched compounds near Peru Kheyl village north of Khowst City after intelligence reports indicated militant activity there. The force detained the suspects, one of whom was identified as the sought-after Haqqani commander.

In another operation today, a combined force detained two suspected militants after searching a compound in Paktia province known to be used for making roadside bombs. The force searched the compound near the village of Tabiban, southwest of Gardez City, without incident.

In other news from Afghanistan, a combined force detained a suspected militant yesterday after searching buildings known to be used by a Taliban bomb maker maker in Kandahar province. The suspect is believed to be responsible for numerous attacks and ambushes in the region, and also is believed to be a shadow governor for the local Taliban’s illegitimate government.

Meanwhile, U.S. and NATO forces continue to realign forces to better secure and stabilize population centers in Afghanistan, most recently by closing Combat Outpost Lowell in the Kamdesh district of Nuristan province Oct. 20.

Prior to the closure, international forces met with local leaders to explain the decision and discuss the handover of facilities. The facilities were left intact for use by the local community after all military equipment was removed.

Coalition forces and the Afghan government will continue to seek opportunities to cooperate with and provide assistance to Afghans in the Kamdesh district, officials said. International Security Assistance Force troops will use the opportunities provided by realignment to enhance combined action with Afghan forces and to assist the Afghan government to build governance and development capacity in populated areas, they added.